KUALA LUMPUR – Minister of Tourism, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has moved to calm industry concerns over rising diesel prices, saying Putrajaya is closely assessing the impact on tourism transport operators and weighing targeted interventions.
He acknowledged that operators, particularly those heavily reliant on diesel, are facing mounting cost pressures that could ripple across the wider tourism ecosystem if left unchecked.
“We recognise the strain on operators. If not managed carefully, this could affect inbound tourism, business sustainability and the overall stability of the sector,” he said.
Tiong revealed that feedback has been gathered from industry groups and stakeholders, with the ministry already initiating engagement with the Ministry of Finance to explore practical solutions.
He said discussions are focused on calibrated, short-term support mechanisms to help ease immediate financial pressures, especially amid external factors such as geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
“At this stage, we are looking at targeted and time-bound assistance to help the industry navigate current challenges,” he added.
Beyond immediate relief, Tiong stressed the need to strengthen the sector’s long-term resilience, noting that cost management must go hand-in-hand with improvements in safety standards, vehicle performance and service quality.
“This is not just about addressing cost pressures. We must also ensure the sector continues to upgrade and remain competitive,” he said.
He explained that the government’s approach centres on stabilising the industry while driving gradual upgrades, including fleet renewal, appropriate financial support and enhancements to regulatory frameworks.
“Our goal is to build a more resilient and competitive tourism transport system, not just provide temporary fixes,” he said.
Tiong also called on industry players to remain engaged with the government through constructive dialogue, stressing that collaboration is key to weathering current challenges and supporting the success of Visit Malaysia 2026.
He urged stakeholders to remain measured in their response, assuring that the government will strive to balance competing interests while implementing workable and sustainable solutions.
“Not every measure will satisfy all parties, but we are committed to finding a balanced and practical way forward for the industry,” he said. -MalayaDailyToday
